O Pequeno Traidor

This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine. I would have given the film another star, but was slightly rattled when I missed a musical "fill" when it was necessary, and looked for more "goofs" when what appeared to be a plastic bag drifted across a shot early on in the movie, set in the 1940s. In addition, I awaited (and received) the obligatory Oz political stance on the situation in Israel. That is something I believe the film could have done without, since it is an otherwise charming piece. After the showing, the producer gave a little background into the making of the movie (incredibly small budget, all-Israeli crew, Molina phoning and asking for a role in the film). That was an extra treat. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, and will recommend it to my kids. It's a story of emotions overcoming the clash of stereotypical enemies.

This is a sweet little indie film about the friendship between a British soldier and a young Israeli boy. When I first saw Alfred Molina, I said to myself, "I've seen this guy in a bunch of stuff before." I checked his IMDb profile and was flabbergasted by just how many films and tv shows he's appeared in. Just looking at the number of productions he's been involved in since 2020 is incredible.

The Little Traitor take place in Israel just after the Second World War and before the country was recognized by the rest of the world. The English were stationed there to help keep the peace. A young boy Proffy (Ido Port) hangs out with two friends who have their own little brotherhood of English-hating kids. One day, Proffy is out on the streets after curfew and is nabbed by a kindly English soldier Dunlop (Molina). He escorts him home and lets him go with a warning. The two become fast friends and Proffy spends with Dunlop at the officer's club almost every afternoon.

The two learn about each other's cultures and Dunlop acts as sort of a big brother to Proffy. When it's brought to the attention of the local Jewish authorities that he's been flirting with the enemy, Proffy's brought before a tribunal and is questioned. It's just one of the many adventures he encounters in this excellent movie.

I really enjoyed this film. The two lead characters felt so natural together. And it's always nice to watch a film where nothing horrible happens. If you're looking for a pleasant film the whole family will enjoy, don't miss this gem. To see more of y reviews, check out moviejunkiemark. It's on blogspot.

What a beautiful, simply told, elegant film. A film that should be seen NOW. With all the strife in the Middle East and hatred filling the news and media, this film reaffirms our faith in love, understanding and unity in a complicated world. I do not cry in movies often.....this wonderful film got to my heart AND mind. This is what movies have been missing for so long.....a simply story told directly and honestly. There is no pulling on emotional heart strings.....no special effects.....no plot shocks at the end. Just an honest story expertly laid out by a director who trusts the story being told and her wonderful cast who executes the tale with honest emotion. This film is one to be cherished.

The movie shows about the Jewish community in Israel and the process of their establishment in the British occupied Palestine. It shoes how little proffy and his relation with a British soldier friend changes as he learns more about life around him.

I stumbled across this film and watched it purely on the strength of actor Alfred Molina who plays a British soldier occupying Palestine just before Israel is recognized as a state. Molino's character is befriended by an 11 year old Jewish boy. I enjoyed the friendship and the way the story unfolds. A lovely script, beautifully acted and kid actors that are actually quite good especially the lead boy whose story this film centers around.

The film is especially poignant now with so much misunderstanding and ignorance in the world.